Training HVACR Technicians for the A2L Transition

The change process for refrigerants has been on-going, according to Price. “The new requirements for refrigerant transition,” he says, “are almost entirely rooted in proper refrigerant practices that have been in place for several decades.” Price’s take on certification? “NATE-certified technicians are often more familiar with industry regulations, best practices and, in turn, can provide homeowners peace of mind.”

Price says a variety of students take Carrier’s A2L refrigerants classes: “The industry transition impacts everyone in the field. Our students range from upcoming technicians to longtime HVACR tradesmen and women, to distributors looking to get a better understanding of what’s coming down the pipeline. We highly encourage everyone in our channel to participate in training in advance of 2025.”

Price notes that the Carrier training keeps learners aware of changes in the industry: “Our online courses are designed for students that need baseline knowledge of regulation and refrigerant standards; however, most students are technicians that are interested in ‘getting ahead of the curve.’” He adds, “Our students don’t want to be surprised by what they encounter in the field.”

Multiple training tools are in place, Price explains: “At Carrier, we have developed a variety of easily accessible resources to keep our technicians informed of the latest developments and regulations regarding A2L. From social media series to newsletters and e-communications, we are diligent about consistent communication as the industry shift nears. Our information sources help inform A2L training curriculums as we gather feedback and identify recurring questions not currently addressed in training.”

The HVACR industry needs to prepare technicians for changes coming to equipment and servicing, says Chris Rich, district service coordinator-GA at Dealers Supply Co. The firm is a wholesale distributor of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning equipment, supplies, and accessories. He notes, “I see in my classes that about half of the contractors are totally unaware of the changes brought on by the A2L refrigerant transition.”

Rich says he offers a comprehensive overview in his Dealers Supply classes. “I will start with an overview of the M-M1 (Minimum efficiency standard to M1 minimum efficiency standard) changes and then an overview of how and why we are changing to the new A2L refrigerants. Then, we cover myths and facts on the A2L refrigerants and proper install and service procedures. In addition, we discuss changes in equipment and tools. In the classes we cover safety thoroughly on working with the A2L refrigerants.” A wide cross-section of professionals attends Dealers Supply A2L classes. “The majority are contractors that are our customers. We are also educating our sales staff and warehouse counter sales teams,” Rich explains.

Regarding the transition, Rich observes that information on the safety concerns are being spread incorrectly. “I see that most professionals,” he says, “think that the new A2L refrigerants have a propane base and are highly flammable. We are having to correct all these misconceptions as much as actually teach the facts.”

A2L refrigerant training for technicians is especially important for today’s workforce, Rich believes. “This is due to the fact that the newer generation of service technicians is lacking in practical experience and skills. These skills include soldering, brazing, and torch use around these refrigerants. Proper instruction, therefore, becomes critical. It becomes very important to have training on using brazing equipment around a flammable refrigerant.”

On the subject of training the newer generation, Greg Creel, a training analyst at Alabama Power’s HVAC Training Center in Jasper, Alabama, offers this thought: “It’s a different world trying to teach some youngsters. Some of the folks coming out of high school don’t know how to read a tape measure. It’s a learning curve. We may have to adjust our teaching approach to adapt.”

The HVAC Training Center does a one-day review covering all aspects of Low GWP Refrigerant Safety-A2L Refrigerants. Creel says there is a mix of older and younger technicians who take the center’s review session. The center conducts a variety of classes, including NATE Review and Testing and sessions on the EPA Section 608 Review and Testing.

“We train at the highest level for our dealer base, to ensure the end-user is getting an informed technician (with current information) on their site to resolve their HVACR issues,” says Bruce O. Davis, technical support advisor at Koch Air, one of the oldest Carrier distributors in North America. The company provides residential and commercial HVACR equipment as well as parts and supplies from 11 locations across the Midwest.

Davis’s team currently conducts R-454B (Puron Advance, an A2L refrigerant) training to the Koch Air dealer base. “We want to make sure all service personnel are fully up to date with our industry standards,” Davis explains.

Davis believes all distributors and manufacturers are doing their part in getting the information out on the A2L refrigerant transition. He adds that the dealer base “has an obligation to the end-users (home owners) to make sure they have a well-trained staff that will be able to work confidently and safely with this new refrigerant in our industry.”

Technician Training Makes Good Business Sense

Greg Guse, director of engineering for Ritchie Engineering Co., has been involved in training in several ways. His firm is a worldwide supplier of U.S.-designed and manufactured tools and equipment with its Yellow Jacket brand.